FAQ 16. Frequently-Asked Questions about the 2020 National Mah Jongg League card

At the bottom of this page, you can link to old cards going back to 2001.

Did You Know?
2020 and NEWS are not kongs!(That means no jokers, and no exposure prior to mah-jongg.)

Can I use a joker in a 2020 since the tiles are bunched together like a kong?
No. 2020 is not a kong. A kong is four identical tiles. 2020 is four singles (or you can argue it's a pair of twos and a pair of zeroes, knitted together - but don't, unless you and your mah-jongg group really enjoy pointless arguments). Read FAQ 19E (click here) and read the back of your NMJL card. Look for the word "NEVER" (in ALL CAPS, bold).

If a 2020 is not a kong, why aren't there spaces between the digits?
Don't you think it looks more natural without the spaces? Accept that a 2020 is not a kong, and move on.

There's no parenthetical saying the kongs have to be twos only. So can I use any same like number, any same even number or must they be any same 2s only?
I suppose it would be nice if there was a parenthetical, but I don't think it's necessary. The symbolism says it all. Consider the year: "2020." How many numbers are there in "2020"? - Two: "2" and "0." There is no room for any fours, sixes, or eights anywhere in the 2020 section, for two reasons:
1. There are only twos and zeroes in "2020;"
2. There is no parenthetical saying any other numbers may be used. Therefore only twos and zeroes may be used in the 2020 section of the card. See FAQ 19-AJ for more about how to interpret a hand in the absence of a parenthetical.

Does the 2020 have to be in bams, since it's green?
No. Read the parenthetical. It says "Any 3 Suits." That's the League's way of saying that the 2020 can be from any suit, and then your two kongs of twos are from the other two suits. Besides, card color does not dictate suit.
Read the back of the card, and read
Frequently Asked Question 19-BY and
FAQ 19-J.

Does that all-green 2020 mean I can use a green dragon as zero?
No. Read the card. Zero is white dragon ("soap"), always.

Does the 2020 have to be made in the suit of dots, to go with the soap?
No, of course not. Read the card: zeroes are suitless. That means the zero (the white dragon or "soap") can be used with any suit. Also read FAQ 19AE (click here).

Can I use a joker in a 2020 since the tiles are bunched together like a kong?
No, of course not. 2020 is not a kong. It's four singles (or two knitted pairs, if you like). A kong is four identical tiles. Read FAQ 19E (click here) and read the back of your NMJL card.

Does the 2020 have to be made in dots, since the hand is 3 colors and the 2020 is blue?
No. Read the red note above the 2020 section on the card. When used as zero, soap can be used with any suit.

Also read the parenthetical: "2s Any 1 Suit; Kongs-Reds & Greens Only" means you have to have a kong of red and a kong of green, but the 2020 ("2s") can be any suit. You're gonna have two soaps with your kongs of red and green, plus matching twos from any one suit.

What does "Kongs-Reds & Greens Only" mean?
I explained that above. You have to have a kong of red and a kong of green. Or, another way to look at it - you're not allowed to use a kong of soap in this hand. And the twos don't have to be dots.

FFFFF222222020(Any 3 Suits)(2020 #3)

Do the pair have to be bams?
No. The colors do not dictate suit.
Read the back of the card, and read
Frequently Asked Question 19-BY and
FAQ 19-J.

Do I have to use twos? There's no parenthetical telling me I have to only use twos.
You have it backwards. There is no parenthetical saying it can be anything else but twos.
Consider the year: "2020." How many numbers are there in "2020"? - Two: "2" and "0." There is no room for any fours, sixes, or any other number but twos and zeroes anywhere in the 2020 section, for two reasons:
1. There are only twos and zeroes in "2020;"
2. There is no parenthetical saying any other numbers may be used. Therefore only twos and zeroes may be used in the 2020 section of the card. See
FAQ 19-AJ for more about how to interpret a hand in the absence of a parenthetical.

I have a question about that quint of flowers.
Okay...

... I'll get back to you.
Okay. (`_`)

22 44666 888DDDD (Any 3 Suits)
(2468 #2)

Do the pairs have to be bams?
No. It says "Any 3 Suits" in the parenthetical. That means the pairs can be any suit. The color-coding is never to be taken as standing for particular suits. Read
Frequently Asked Question 19-BY and
FAQ 19-J.

FFFF4444X6666=24-or-FFFF6666X8888=48
(Any 3 Suits)
(2468 #5)

When you have multiplication such as 4 x 6 = 24, can you use a joker for either digit in the answer 24?
You'll find the answer on the back of the card.

Every player should read everything on the NMJL card. Turn it over and look at the back. Left pane, last sentence of the last paragraph before the numbered rules.
Look for the word "NEVER" in bold capital letters.

For a more detailed explanation, see FAQ 19-E2, here on my site. Please bookmark
FAQ 19 for your future reference.

If I use only a single joker (the fewest possible to create a quint) in Quints, is that considered jokerless, so I can get the Bonus double score?
No. It has a joker in it.

But it's impossible to make a quint without at least one joker. And the name of the Bonus double isn't "jokerless," it's "Bonus."
None of that matters. The name of the scoring attribute doesn't matter. The fact that a joker is required to make a quint doesn't matter. The difficulty of making the hand is pre-built into the score on the card. The (jokerless) Bonus cannot apply in Quints.

FFFFFDDDD11111(Any No. in Any Suit, Any Dragon)(Quints #1)

This hand has to be two suits, right? The number quint has to be a different suit from the dragon kong?
No. The hand can be two suits or it can be one suit. Look in the parenthetical. Note the inclusion of the word "any" three times. "Any" always means "any." You can read FAQ 19J if you need a definition of the word "any." The hand could just as well be made in 1 or 2 suits:

FFFFFDDDD33333FFFFFDDDD88888

11111 22 33 44444
(Any 1 Suit, Any 4 Consec. Nos.)
(Quints #4)

Do I have to use just those numbers?
No. Read the parenthetical. See the word "Any."

CONSECUTIVE RUN

Can I use zeroes in Consecutive Runs? For instance
000 1112222 3333
or 777 8889999 0000?
No. The only place on the card where you are permitted to use zero is where the card shows a numeral "0" (2020 and Singles And Pairs).
Read FAQ 19-BH.

What is the difference between "any consecutive numbers" and "any run"?
Pretty much synonymous. For Consec #2, there just wasn't enough space to write "Any 3 Consec. Nos." so they wrote "Any Run" instead.

Can I make this hand with different numbers, like 4-5-6-7-8?
No. Read the parenthetical: "These Nos. Only."

FFFF 1111 22 3333-or-FF
1111223333 (Any Run)
(Consecutive Run #2)

So I was reading the parenthetical...
Hallelujah!

Wise guy. My question is, what does it mean, "any run"?
A "RUN" is an ascending or descending sequence of consecutive numbers. The parenthetical is saying you can use any 3 consecutive numbers (there simply wasn't enough room to say all that).

it says any run ... it does not say 2 suits, all one suit, it says any run....I had 2 suits in the run is that allowed?
No additional words are needed in the parenthetical. The color-coding says it all.
It's one color (one suit) -OR- three colors (three suits). Read the back of the card, right up top. It says 1 color is one suit, and 3 colors mean three suits. So, no. Two suits isn't allowed, since it shows a 1-color and a 3-color version and does not show a 2-color version. You really should read the entire card, front and back.

The phrase "Any Run" appears after the 3-suit version, and not after the 1-suit version. So does the 1-suit version version have to be made with only 1s, 2s, and 3s?
No. The phrase "Any Run" applies to the whole line. The phrase applies to that hand either way, regardless of whether you make it with 1 suit or 3 suits. Consec #2 can be made with any 3 consecutive numbers, in either 1 suit or 3 suits.

Does the pair have to be the middle number, or...
Stop. Yes. The pair has to be the middle number of the 3-number run.

111 2222 333 DDDD
(Any 1 Suit, Any 3 Consec. Nos.)
(Consec #4)

Does the middle number have to be a kong?
Yes. The card symbolism is clear. The intent is for a 3-number run, a kong between pungs.

Do the three consecutive pairs have to be bams?
No. Color does not dictate suit, as explained above.

Do I have to use the numbers one through five only?
No. Read the parenthetical.

Can I put the kongs before the pairs, like 1111 2222 33 44 55?
No. You have to have three consecutive pairs, with higher-number kongs. The structure must be the same but you can use a higher numerical sequence.

Can the pair be the first or third number in the run (instead of the middle number)?
No. The pair must be the middle number.

What does "Pungs-Opp.Dragons" mean?
It means you can use any suit for the number run (your numbers do not have to be bams), and then you have to use the two different-color dragons that do not match the suit of your number run.

111 222111 22233(Any 3 Suits; Any 3 Consecutive Nos.)(Consec #8)

Does the third-number pair have to be dots because the pungs are all bams and craks (green and red)?
No. The color-
coding is never to be taken as standing for particular suits. Read the back of the card, and read
Frequently Asked Question 19-BY and
FAQ 19-J.

Do I have to use ones, twos, and threes?
No. See the parenthetical. It says "Any 3 Consecutive Nos." See? "Any."

11 33 555 777 9999-or-11 33555 7779999
(Any 1 or 3 Suits)
(13579 #1)

Can the Kongs (four of a kind) be some other number besides 9s?
No. Those numbers only. The structure and the numbers must be just like the card. And remember, color does not dictate suit.

FFFF3333X5555=15-or-FFFF5555X7777=35
(Any 3 Suits)
(13579 #2)

When you have multiplication such as 3 x 5 = 15, can you use a joker for either digit in the answer 15?
You'll find the answer on the back of the card.

Every player should read everything on the NMJL card. Turn it over and look at the back. Left pane, last sentence of the last paragraph before the numbered rules.
Look for the word "NEVER" in bold capital letters.

For a more detailed explanation, see FAQ 19-E2, here on my site. Please bookmark
FAQ 19 for your future reference.

Oh, cool! You have FAQs! So I can actually find my own answers anytime?
Ee-yup!

FFDDDDNEWSDDDD(Any 2 Dragons)(Winds-Dragons 24)

Can I use soaps, even though those Ds are all green and red?
Yes. Two principles you need to remember:
1. Color does not dictate suit. See
FAQ 19-BY and
FAQ 19-J.
2. The word "any" means "any." Read FAQ 19J.

Can I use a joker in a NEWS since the tiles are bunched together like a kong?
No. This is explained at the top of this web page. Read the back of the card:

I have a different question about NEWS...
That question, also, is answered above.

But you didn't let me even ask my question!
No, because a kajillion others before you have already asked it, and I'm getting tired of answering it!

Can I play this hand in two suits?
No. Look at the colors of the numbers. The winds are suitless (or "neutral"), so their color doesn't count. Not counting the winds, there are three colors. Read the back of the card. Left pane, just beneath where it says "STANDARD BASED ON EIGHT FLOWERS AND EIGHT JOKERS." See the 1st and 2nd lines; the card says, "1 color—any 1 suit; 2 colors—any 2 suits; 3 colors—3 suits." That means that this hand is a three-suit hand. You really need to read the entire card, front and back, every year.

Can I use any like number, rather than just all ones (in the case of the first hand)?
No. Read the parenthetical. It says any like odd numbers (or even numbers, in the case of the second hand).

Can I switch the winds, make it say for instance NNNN and WWWW?
No. Look at the pattern and see the logic: north and souths (opposite directions) with odds, and easts and wests (again: opposites)
with evens. East and Even both begin with E, if that helps.

33 66 9933333333(Any 3 Suits, Kongs Like 3s, 6s, or 9s)(369 #2)

What does "kongs like 3s, 6s, or 9s" mean?
It means that your two foursomes (kongs) don't have to be threes. You could use two kongs of sixes instead (or two kongs of nines).

33 66 993333333333 66 996666666633 66 9999999999

So can I have, for instance, a kong of sixes and a kong of nines? Or, say, a kong of threes and a kong of nines?
No. The kongs must use like numbers, in different suits. Read
FAQ 19-AU for an understanding of what the word "Like" means on the card.

SINGLES & PAIRS

Singles & Pairs ... I drew the winning tile for a 50¢ hand,
so everyone paid double ($1.00); but of course, it was a jokerless hand, do you get credit for that also to make it $2.00?
Sorry, no. Read the back of the card (left pane, bottom, bold text).

2019 card pictured, but the scoring is the same on the 2020 card. Read the card!

Or would it be only $1.00 since there is no choice but to have no jokers?
Read the back of the card (lower left corner). And if you want to know more, read FAQ 19-F.

NN EE WW SS 11 22 33 (Any 3 Consec. Nos.)(Singles & Pairs #1)

Does this mean the numbers have to be 3 consec . No’s . BUT what suit ?
You get to decide which suit (or should I say it's the Mah-Jongg Goddesses who decide). 1 color just means 1 suit, the card is not dictating which suit.

or each number can be a different suit?
Count the colors. On the back of the card, it says: "1 color—any 1 suit; 2 colors—any 2 suits; 3 colors—3 suits." This hand is printed in one color. That means that this hand is a one-suit hand. Read the card!

FF 11 22 33 44 55 DD (Any 5 Consec. Nos.)(Singles & Pairs #2)

What suit am I supposed to use?
It's one color. "1 color—any 1 suit," it says on the card. So it is any one suit - whichever suit the Mah Jongg Goddesses have put in your hand. Card color does not dictate suit.

FF11 2211 2211 22
(Any 3 Suits, Any 3 Consec. Pairs)(S&P #3)

Can I make this with numbers other than 1 and 2? Like for instance 88 9988 9988 99?
Sure. The parenthetical says "any".

Can it be 22 3355 6644 55?
No. Wherever you see ones in that hand, you must use the same number (all "ones" must be the same number, any number from 1 to 8). Wherever you see twos in that hand, you must use your first number plus one (it can only be a number from 2 to 9). You will have 3 pairs (3 suits) of one number, and 3 pairs of the next sequential number.

Then how about 12 1212 1212 12?
Well... That's pretty much the same thing it shows on the card (you have two of each number in each suit). But your playing companions might insist you arrange them in proper pairs. (By the way: "12" is not a pair.)

Can I use zeroes, like for instance: 00 1100 1100 11?
You must be a programmer (only programmers think numerical sequences should begin with zero). The answer is no. Anyway, have you tried? It's impossible, since only soaps can be used for zeroes and you can't use jokers in Singles & Pairs.

FF2468 DD2468 DD(Any 2 suits)(S&P #4)

Can I use a joker in a 2468? It's a kong, right? The numbers are all grouped together like a kong.
No. Four singles do not make a kong just because you squish them together. Same explanation as given above for "2020" and for "NEWS." A kong is four identical tiles. Read the back of the card.

If it's not a kong, shouldn't there be spaces between the numbers?
That would make no difference. 2 is not "like" 4 or 6 or 8 - 2468 is not a kong! Just accept it as fact.

33633669336699
(Any 3 Suits)(S&P #5)

That's a pung, a quint, and a sextet - so can I use a joker? And can I call for exposure?
No. There is no pung in the hand, and there is no quint, and there is no sextet. The terms "pung" and "quint" and "sextet" apply only to "identical tiles." These "groupings" in S&P #5 are made up of singles and pairs. Look at the title of this section of the card. It's called "Singles and Pairs" because, well, it's all ... single tiles, and pairs of identical tiles.

In this section of the card, you cannot use jokers, and you cannot make any exposures, not only because all the hands are marked with a C but also because the hands in this section are all made solely of "Singles and Pairs." Read FAQ 19E (click here). Also: every player should read everything on the NMJL card. Turn it over and look at the back. Look for the word "NEVER" (in all bold capital letters).

Can I call a discard if it's the tile I need to complete this hand for mah-jongg?
Yes.

Why aren't there spaces between every pair and every single? Why is it that there are no spaces in 336 or 33669 or 336699?
I've had just about enough of you! You can ask the League; their phone number is on the card. But wait until the pandemic is over and their office is open again.

11 3 5 7 9911 3 5 7 99(Any 2 Suits)(S&P #6)

are those 1s two singles or a pair? They're spaced a little far apart, not like an eleven.
It doesn't matter - amounts to the same either way. It might have something to do with how much space the "1" takes up in the software used to lay out the printing. If you have two singles of the same tile (same suit and same number), that's conceptually the same thing as a pair - there is no difficulty differential. So don't worry whether that's a pair or two single ones, it amounts to the same thing either way. Oh, I said that already.

FF2020NEWS2020(Any 2 Suits, 2s Match in Each 2020)(S&P #7)

What does "2s Match in Each 2020" mean?
It's unnecessary words that just mean "both the green 2s must be in one suit, and both the red 2s must be in a second suit" - which is what the color-coding says wordlessly. In essence, a 2020 is two pairs: twos and soaps. 2020=2200, essentially, since you cannot claim a discard except for mah-jongg. You need pairs of twos in two suits, and you need all four soaps (as singles or pairs), to make this hand.

Can I use Green Dragon and Red Dragon in the green and red 2020s?
No. Read the red text atop the left pane of the card. White dragon (soap) is always used as zero (and only white dragon; no other). When used as zero, soap can be used with any suit. That means you need all four soaps to make this hand. That's why this hand is so expensive (because it's really hard to make).

Is 85 cents the most expensive hand ever on a card?
I haven't checked cards before 2000, but 85 cents is the most expensive hand on a card since 2000 anyway.

Can I use a joker in a 2020 since the tiles are bunched together like a kong?
No. This is Singles & Pairs, remember. You can't use jokers in singles or pairs. And 2020 is not a kong. A kong is four identical tiles. 2020 is four singles. Read FAQ 19E (click here) and read the back of your NMJL card. Look for the word "NEVER" (in all bold capital letters).

Can I use a joker in a NEWS since the tiles are bunched together like a kong?
No. This is Singles & Pairs, remember. You can't use jokers in singles or pairs. A kong is four identical tiles. Read FAQ 19E (click here) and read the back of your NMJL card. Look for the word "NEVER" (in all bold capital letters).

If a 2020 is not a kong, why aren't there spaces between the digits?
It looks more natural without the spaces. Accept that a 2020 is four singles (not a kong), and move on.

If a NEWS is not a kong, why aren't there spaces between the digits?
It looks more natural without the spaces. Accept that a NEWS is four singles (not a kong), and move on.

Can I claim a discarded tile to expose a 2020?
Not to expose a 2020 by itself, no. But if you are waiting for that tile for mah-jongg, then by all means. Shout "mahj!" Read FAQ 19-E3.
In S&P you cannot make any exposures, not only because all the hands are marked with a C but because you can never expose singles or pairs prior to a mahj declaration.

Can I claim a discarded tile to expose a NEWS?
Not to expose a NEWS by itself, no. But if you are waiting for that tile for mah-jongg, then by all means. Shout "mahj!" Read FAQ 19-E3.
In S&P you cannot make any exposures, not only because all the hands are marked with a C but because you can never expose singles or pairs prior to a mahj declaration.

Didn't find what you were looking for in this FAQ? Check these links...

Looking for an NMJL card? Click here for information about obtaining one.

The official rulebook, and a newsletter. Every table should have the official 2020 revised rulebook.
Every year, the League issues rule clarifications in its newsletter. Every person who buys the card
directly from the League receives a subscription to the newsletter, which is mailed every January.

Copyright 2020 Tom Sloper. All rights reserved. The contents of this page and this website, including and not limited to text, graphics, and photos, may not be reproduced or published without written permission of the author. This site is not associated with the National Mah Jongg League.